Author: Mary Scherpe

There’s a food tradition in German speaking countries that I actually never got to write about before, although it’s been such a vital part of my upbringing, it makes me happy just thinking of it. And while it sounds rather simple, it often seems odd to outsiders. Let me say it like this: sometimes, we like to have a sweet main for lunch or dinner. This can be pancakes, or Grießbrei (semolina pudding) or Milchreis (rice pudding), or, as in this case: Kaiserschmarrn, a thick Austrian pancake, plucked to pieces, and served with Zwetschkenröster, baked plums. I had it at a new Austrian deli in Mitte, Feinkost Minutillo, and this is why you should try it too…

Lon Men’s Noodle House has been a pivotal spot in what some like to call Berlin’s China Town for years. Although I think a better name for the stretch of Kantstraße that is home to some of the best Asian food places in the city (check Aroma, Dao, Saigon Green, Go Asia, Do De Li & Papaya for instance) would be something like “Asia Street”. Lon Men’s is definitely a major player and a save bet whenever you’re craving hot and heart warming noodle soups on a cold, dark and rainy November night. Which is why it shouldn’t have come as a surprise that there was a line outside on a random Tuesday evening!

October is not as golden as we would want it to be, and November is usually not much better so draw your attention away from the outside and find out what’s new indoors. There are loads of new places serving new dishes to hungry Berliners: from homemade noodles, to vegan dumplings, Californian cooking, French soul food, Mexican fine dining and more. Berlin is here for you during these dark days.
Let’s go eat!

When the light is low, double the sugar, said my grandmother. Or this is what I’d like to remember her saying… but one certainly doesn’t need an excuse for a treat like this, because waffles make everything better, even the 20th day in a row with not a glimpse of sunshine. Especially when they’re topped with ice cream and whipped cream. And come with a thick hot chocolate like in this sweet place in Schöneberg.

There’s no reason to deny it: my mixed breed Nico is a spoiled dog. I adopted her from an Italian shelter, where she lived for 1,5 years after being rescued from a flood at the age of one. So why shouldn’t she be spoiled? She has multiple beds, cushions and blankets (in the office, at home, in the car), eats fine raw food, and I always have an assortment of snacks ready. Spoiling her is one of my favorite things, not because she needs it, but deserves it for being the best dog ever. Where do I get all that treats for her, you ask? At my favorite shops for dogs in Berlin! This is the third part of my series on dogs, part one tackled the basics of dog owning in Berlin, and part two suggested loads of places to have fun with your pup.